Oilers Trade Proposal Lands Alex DeBrincat: Would You Do It?

The Edmonton Oilers could be searching for another proven top-six winger ahead of the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline. If the Detroit Red Wings fall out of contention and their new general manager commits to a full rebuild, Alex DeBrincat could become one of the biggest names available.

A potential proposal could look like this:

Oilers receive:

• Alex DeBrincat at 25% retained

Red Wings receive:

• Quinn Hutson
• Kasperi Kapanen
• 2028 first-round pick, top-10 protected

DeBrincat carries a $7.875 million cap hit and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2027. Detroit retaining 25% would reduce his cap charge to approximately $5.91 million. Including Kapanen and his $2.6 million contract would help Edmonton make the deal work financially.

Why the Oilers Would Make the Trade

DeBrincat would give the Oilers the proven right-shot finisher they have been searching for. He recorded 41 goals and 85 points in 2025-26, demonstrating that he remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive wingers.

Edmonton could place DeBrincat beside Connor McDavid, creating a line built around speed, playmaking and finishing ability. Alternatively, he could play with Leon Draisaitl and give the Oilers two dominant scoring lines. His shot would also provide another weapon for an already dangerous power play.

There is also an established connection between DeBrincat and McDavid. They were teammates and linemates with the Ontario Hockey League’s Erie Otters in 2014-15. DeBrincat recorded 51 goals and 104 points during his rookie season, while the two combined for nearly 300 points between the regular season and playoffs.

Their junior success does not guarantee identical NHL chemistry, but the familiarity could make DeBrincat an especially attractive target.

Why the Red Wings Would Consider It

Detroit’s willingness to make the trade would depend on who replaces Steve Yzerman and what direction the new general manager chooses. If the Red Wings remain outside the playoff picture and begin a full rebuild, keeping an expensive pending free agent would make little sense unless DeBrincat agrees to an extension.

Hutson would give Detroit a skilled young winger who could develop alongside Lucas Raymond, Marco Kasper and the rest of its younger core. The protected first-round pick would become the principal rebuilding asset, while Kapanen would primarily balance the salaries and could potentially be flipped in another deadline move.

The proposed return is comparable to other prominent rental trades. Pittsburgh received Michael Bunting, three prospects and a conditional first-round selection when it traded Jake Guentzel to Carolina while retaining 25% of his salary. Philadelphia received Owen Tippett, a first-round pick and a third-round selection for pending free agent Claude Giroux in 2022. The Flyers retained 50% of Giroux’s salary.

DeBrincat’s age, scoring history and recent production could generate a similar return. He would be an expensive rental, especially because his 16-team no-trade list could complicate negotiations. However, if DeBrincat approves Edmonton as a destination, adding another 40-goal threat could be worth the price during the Oilers’ Stanley Cup window.

Next: Maple Leafs Reportedly Kicking Tires on $34M Veteran Winger